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Showing posts from October, 2020

In the Center of the Trifid Nebula

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What's happening at the center of the Trifid Nebula? Three prominent dust lanes that give the Trifid its name all come together. Mountains of opaque dust appear near the bottom, while other dark filaments of dust are visible threaded throughout the nebula. A single massive star visible near the center causes much of the Trifid's glow. The Trifid, cataloged as M20, is only about 300,000 years old, making it among the youngest emission nebulas known. The star forming nebula lies about 9,000 light years away toward the constellation of the Archer (Sagittarius). The region pictured here spans about 10 light years. The featured image is a composite with luminance taken from an image by the 8.2-m ground-based Subaru Telescope, detail provided by the 2.4-m orbiting Hubble Space Telescope, color data provided by Martin Pugh and image assembly and processing provided by Robert Gendler. via NASA https://ift.tt/2GhrD71

Wikipedia article of the day for November 1, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for November 1, 2020 is Typhoon Gay (1989) . Typhoon Gay was a small but powerful tropical cyclone that caused more than 800 fatalities in and around the Gulf of Thailand in November 1989. The worst typhoon to affect the Malay Peninsula in 35 years, Gay rapidly intensified from a monsoon trough, and on 3 November became the first typhoon since 1891 to make landfall in Thailand. It re-emerged into the Bay of Bengal and reorganized as it approached southeastern India. The typhoon moved ashore near Kavali, Andhra Pradesh, and dissipated over Maharashtra early on 10 November. The typhoon's rapid development took seafarers by surprise, leading to 275 offshore fatalities. Across the Malay Peninsula, 588 people died from various storm-related incidents and several towns were destroyed. Losses throughout Thailand totaled ฿11 billion (US$497 million). In India, Gay damaged or destroyed about 20,000 homes in Andh...

canonize: Word of the day for November 1, 2020

canonize , v : (chiefly Roman Catholicism) To declare (a deceased person) as a saint, and enter them into the canon of saints. (figurative) To regard as a saint; to glorify, to exalt to the highest honour. (Christianity) To formally declare (a piece of religious writing) to be part of the biblical canon. (by extension) To regard (an artistic or written work) as one of a group of works representative of a particular field. (chiefly Christianity) Especially of a church: to give official approval to; to authorize, to sanction. Today is All Saints’ Day in Western Christianity.

Picture of the day for November 1, 2020

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Old choir at St Paul's Cathedral in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Learn more .

Picture of the day for November 1, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on November 1, 2020: Old choir at St Paul's Cathedral in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany https://ift.tt/2HLQkZz

U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development In Detroit, Michigan

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Detroit, Michigan, where he visited Atlas Tube to meet with company leadership and employees to discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the nation’s continued economic recovery. Secretary Scalia toured the facility at Atlas Tube and spoke with employees, discussing workforce safety and the expansion of manufacturing opportunities. “I was pleased to visit and learn more about Atlas Tube and the important steelwork that they are doing in Michigan,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Manufacturing is essential to our economic recovery and helping get Americans back to work. Smart, pro-business policies including tax cuts, deregulation, and fair and reciprocal trade deals like the USMCA will help power Michigan’s economy as we continue to rebound.” The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United S...

U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development In Detroit, Michigan

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Detroit, Michigan, where he visited Atlas Tube to meet with company leadership and employees to discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the nation’s continued economic recovery. Secretary Scalia toured the facility at Atlas Tube and spoke with employees, discussing workforce safety and the expansion of manufacturing opportunities. “I was pleased to visit and learn more about Atlas Tube and the important steelwork that they are doing in Michigan,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Manufacturing is essential to our economic recovery and helping get Americans back to work. Smart, pro-business policies including tax cuts, deregulation, and fair and reciprocal trade deals like the USMCA will help power Michigan’s economy as we continue to rebound.” The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United S...

New IFTTT service: Matrix-D

Matrix-D Matrix-D is an informative WIFI display smart HUB. It provides various functions, such as: social media stats live counter, Internet radio, daily schedule, IFTTT and more... Time to enjoy the massive fun and helpful daily functions on your Matrix-D. Published October 31, 2020 at 11:38AM View Matrix-D Applets on IFTTT

New IFTTT service: Matrix-D

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Matrix-D just launched on IFTTT! https://ift.tt/2TILxuM

A Galaxy of Horrors

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Explore extreme and terrifying realms of the Universe tonight. If you dare to look, mysterious dark matter, a graveyard galaxy, zombie worlds, and gamma-ray bursts of doom are not all that awaits. Just follow the link and remember, it's all based on real science, even the scary parts. Have a safe and happy halloween! via NASA https://ift.tt/2TGlmEY

Wikipedia article of the day for October 31, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for October 31, 2020 is Bill Kibby . Bill Kibby (15 April 1903 – 31 October 1942) was a British-born Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to a member of the Australian armed forces during World War II. In 1940, Kibby enlisted in the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and joined the 2/48th Infantry Battalion. He was injured before the Siege of Tobruk, but was with the battalion during the First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942. In October, the battalion was committed to the Second Battle of El Alamein. Between 23 and 31 October, Kibby went forward alone and silenced an enemy machine gun post, mended a telephone line under heavy fire, and pressed forward under withering machine gun fire to help his company capture its objective. After this final action ultimately cost him his life, the Victoria Cross was awarded for h...

pumpking: Word of the day for October 31, 2020

pumpking , n : (programming, slang) A Perl user working on shared source code who has been temporarily designated as the only person who is allowed to make changes. Boo! Happy Halloween!

Picture of the day for October 31, 2020

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Lutheran Parish Church of Hallstatt, Upper Austria. Learn more .

Picture of the day for October 31, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on October 31, 2020: Lutheran Parish Church of Hallstatt, Upper Austria https://ift.tt/34JSKAZ

U.S. Department of Labor Issues Respiratory Protection Guidance For Long-Term Care Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued respiratory protection guidance focused on protecting workers in nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities (LTCFs) from occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus. The action marks the Department’s latest step to ensure the availability of respirators and follows President Donald J. Trump’s Memorandum on Making General Use Respirators Available.  Source control measures are recommended for everyone in healthcare facilities, including LTCFs, even if the wearer does not have symptoms of the coronavirus. The guidance describes various source control measures, including cloth face coverings, facemasks, and FDA-cleared or authorized surgical masks. Healthcare providers should wear source control products/devices at all times while inside a LTCF, including in breakrooms or other spaces where they might encounter other pe...

NASA Awards Contract for Engineering, Science Software

NASA has awarded a contract to MathWorks Inc. of Natick, Massachusetts, to provide new software licenses, maintenance, and product training for mathematical computing software to be used by all NASA centers and associated facilities. October 30, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/3jLZwKG via IFTTT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development In St. Louis, Missouri

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WASHINGTON, DC – On Oct. 29, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where he highlighted President Trump’s continued efforts to safely reopen the economy and strengthen America’s workforce. Secretary Scalia participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders from Missouri and Illinois, discussing the current strong economic rebound and highlighting apprenticeships as a way to build a skilled labor force. Today, Secretary Scalia visited Seyer Industries in St. Charles where he toured the company and met with company leadership and apprentices. “Business leaders in St. Louis recognize the importance of training a skilled workforce as the country continues to rebound economically,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I spoke to business leaders about their efforts to help workers learn new skills and get back to work quickly. Workforce development, along with fair and recip...

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $2,025,431 In Coronavirus Violations

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WASHINGTON, DC – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Oct. 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited 144 establishments for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,025,431.   OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing employers for violations, including failures to: Implement a written respiratory protection program; Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment; Report an injury, illness or fatality; Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and Comply with the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 OSHA has already announced citations relating to COVID-19 to 112 establishments, which can be found at dol.gov/newsroom. In addition to those establishments, the 32 establishments below have received coronavirus-related citations total...

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule To Protect Americans’ Retirement Investments

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WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates and clarifies the Department’s investment duties regulation in 29 CFR 2550.404a-1. The final rule intends to provide clear regulatory guideposts for fiduciaries of private-sector retirement and other employee benefit plans in light of recent trends involving environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. During the last 30 years, the Department has periodically considered the application of the fiduciary duties of prudence and loyalty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to plan investments that promote non-financial objectives, such as furthering environmental, social and public policy goals. The Department has issued different iterations of sub-regulatory guidance during this period that may have created confusion about these investment issues, and the rapid increase in so-called ESG investments has also raised important and substantial questions about shortcom...

U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development In St. Louis, Missouri

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WASHINGTON, DC – On Oct. 29, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where he highlighted President Trump’s continued efforts to safely reopen the economy and strengthen America’s workforce. Secretary Scalia participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders from Missouri and Illinois, discussing the current strong economic rebound and highlighting apprenticeships as a way to build a skilled labor force. Today, Secretary Scalia visited Seyer Industries in St. Charles where he toured the company and met with company leadership and apprentices. “Business leaders in St. Louis recognize the importance of training a skilled workforce as the country continues to rebound economically,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I spoke to business leaders about their efforts to help workers learn new skills and get back to work quickly. Workforce development, along with fair and recip...

U.S. Department of Labor and Becton, Dickinson and Company Enter Agreement to Resolve Alleged Compensation Discrimination

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has entered into a conciliation agreement with Becton, Dickinson and Co. – a federal contractor – to resolve allegations of compensation discrimination at the medical technology company’s facilities in Sparks and Hunt Valley, Maryland. While the employer denies OFCCP’s allegations, Becton, Dickinson and Company has agreed to pay $100,000 in back pay and interest to 104 African American female employees. Findings from OFCCP’s compliance evaluation show that as of Jan. 1, 2018, the employer paid African American female employees in hourly manufacturing and operations positions less than male and other non-African American female employees. OFCCP determined that the employer’s actions violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits race and gender discrimination related to compensation by federal contractors. “The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is committed to enfo...

EPA! EPA! EPA Awards Approximately $90 Million to Address Water Infrastructure in Massachusetts

EPA Awards Approximately $90 Million to Address Water Infrastructure in Massachusetts Region 01 BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced funding to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts totaling more than $90 million for major water infrastructure projects in communities across the state. Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! WEEK IN REVIEW: Ag Edition

WEEK IN REVIEW: Ag Edition Headquarters, Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) WASHINGTON (October 30, 2020) — This week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler made a series of agriculture announcements including the registration of dicamba while in Brooklet, Ga. Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $151,000 to West Virginia University for wetlands project

EPA awards $151,000 to West Virginia University for wetlands project Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 30, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $151,053 grant to West Virginia University for a project to improve wetlands restoration. Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $1.7 million to Virginia to control polluted runoff, restore water quality

EPA awards $1.7 million to Virginia to control polluted runoff, restore water quality Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 30, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a $1,693,000 grant to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to improve water quality in rivers and streams throughout the state. Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! ICYMI: EPA grants petition expected to save money, jobs at ENC phosphate company

ICYMI: EPA grants petition expected to save money, jobs at ENC phosphate company Headquarters, Air and Radiation (OAR) WCTI 12 Megan Scarano and Sydney Basden October 29, 2020 Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Night Aboard the Space Station

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Night aboard the International Space Station can seemingly look like every spooky sci-fi movie you've ever seen. via NASA https://ift.tt/3jHCtkj

EPA! EPA! EPA Region 7 Announces Lead Superfund Site Deletions During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

EPA Region 7 Announces Lead Superfund Site Deletions During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Region 07 Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Fear and Dread: The Moons of Mars

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On Halloween fear and dread will stalk your night skies, also known as Phobos and Deimos the moons of Mars. The 2020 opposition of Mars was on October 13, so the Red Planet will still rise shortly after sunset. Near Halloween's Full Moon on the sky, its strange yellowish glow will outshine other stars throughout the night. But the two tiny Martian moons are very faint and in close orbits, making them hard to spot, even with a small telescope. You can find them in this carefully annotated composite view though. The overexposed planet's glare is reduced and orbital paths for inner moon Phobos and outer moon Deimos are overlayed on digitally combined images captured on October 6. The diminutive moons of Mars were discovered in August of 1877 by astronomer Asaph Hall at the US Naval Observatory using the Great Equatorial 26-inch Alvan Clark refractor. via NASA https://ift.tt/3mxksHa

EPA! EPA! COLORADO SPRINGS AGREES TO IMPROVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN SETTLEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES

COLORADO SPRINGS AGREES TO IMPROVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN SETTLEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES Region 08 COLO. SPRINGS — The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act with respect to the City’s storm sewer system. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! COLORADO SPRINGS AGREES TO IMPROVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN SETTLEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES

COLORADO SPRINGS AGREES TO IMPROVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN SETTLEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES Headquarters, Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Roblox Corporation released a new update for Roblox : Version 2.454.413308

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Roblox by Roblox Corporation has been updated to a new version. Download on the App Store. Release notes: To make Roblox work better for you, we deliver updates regularly. These updates include bug fixes and improvements for speed and reliability. Price: Free Rating: 4.60985 Category: Games Version: 2.454.413308 Created: October 29, 2020 at 08:42AM Description: Roblox is the ultimate virtual universe that lets you play, create, and be anything you can imagine. Join millions of players and discover an infinite variety of immersive worlds created by a global community! Already have an account? Log in with your existing Roblox account and play now! MILLIONS OF WORLDS TO EXPLORE In the mood for an epic role-playing adventure? Want to compete against rivals worldwide? Or do you just want to hang out and chat with your friends online? A growing library of worlds created by the community means there’s always something new and exciting for you to play every day. PLAY TOGETHER ANY...

Wikipedia article of the day for October 30, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for October 30, 2020 is European storm petrel . The European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) is a small, square-tailed seabird with a fluttering flight. It is black except for a white rump and a white band under its wings. Most birds breed on islands off western Europe, with a separate subspecies occurring in the Mediterranean. The storm petrel lays a single white egg in a burrow. The adults share incubation and feeding the chick. This bird is oceanic outside the breeding season, wintering off the western coasts of Africa. It feeds on small fish, and can find oily edible items by smell. The chick is fed with an oily liquid regurgitated by the adults. Silent at sea, the storm petrel has a chattering call given during courtship, and the male has a purring song. The storm petrel cannot survive where rats or cats have been introduced, and it is killed by large birds such as gulls. It is classified by the IUCN as being of least concern. Folklore claimi...

thesis: Word of the day for October 30, 2020

thesis , n : Senses relating to logic, rhetoric, etc. (rhetoric) A proposition or statement supported by arguments. (by extension) A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted as a requirement for a university degree; a dissertation. (logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis. (philosophy) In the dialectical method of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: the initial stage of reasoning where a formal statement of a point is developed; this is followed by antithesis and synthesis. Senses relating to music and prosody. (music, prosody, originally) The action of lowering the hand or bringing down the foot when indicating a rhythm; hence, an accented part of a measure of music or verse indicated by this action; an ictus, a stress. (music, prosody, with a reversal of meaning) A depression of the voice when pronouncing a syllables of a word; hence, the unstressed part of the metrical foot of a verse upon which su...

Picture of the day for October 30, 2020

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A female Northern Masked Weaver Ploceus taeniopterus near Lake Baringo, Kenya. Lake Baringo is one of the two large freshwater lakes in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Learn more .

Picture of the day for October 30, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on October 30, 2020: A female Northern Masked Weaver Ploceus taeniopterus near Lake Baringo, Kenya. Lake Baringo is one of the two large freshwater lakes in Kenya's Great Rift Valley https://ift.tt/34GtpYC

EPA! EPA! EPA Grants Petition by PCS Phosphate Company

EPA Grants Petition by PCS Phosphate Company Headquarters, Air and Radiation (OAR) Aurora, N.C. (October 29, 2020) — Today, at Nutrien Aurora Phosphate, U.S. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

New IFTTT service: Switchur App

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Switchur App just launched on IFTTT! https://ift.tt/34F8aGz

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Successfully Stows Sample of Asteroid Bennu

NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission has successfully stowed the spacecraft’s Sample Return Capsule (SRC) and its abundant sample of asteroid Bennu. October 29, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/2JaJzRE via IFTTT

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia on Strong Economic Data

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the strong economic data released today:   “This morning’s economic news shows sustained momentum and confirms that our nation is bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic faster than predicted.    “In the third quarter of 2020, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 33.1 percent, greatly surpassing the previous record for quarterly growth set in 1950. Total unemployment insurance claims in early October fell by more than 400,000, meaning that nearly 3.4 million people have come off of unemployment in September and early October. Since the peak unemployment in April, we’ve added back nearly 11.5 million jobs and have seen the unemployment rate fall nearly seven points.  Last week, we learned that 34 States had an unemployment rate below eight percent in September. Real Personal Consumption Expenditures grew at a 70-year record rate in the third quarter. Other economic indic...

Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report

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In the week ending October 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 751,000, a decrease of 40,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 4,000 from 787,000 to 791,000. The 4-week moving average was 787,750, a decrease of 24,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 1,000 from 811,250 to 812,250.

New IFTTT service: Switchur App

Switchur App Switchur is a home automation dashboard and rules engine. Store multiple sensor readings and events as easy to understand switchboard items. And use the logic builder and expression engine to create advanced home automation routines. Published October 29, 2020 at 12:04PM View Switchur App Applets on IFTTT

EPA! EPA! Department of Justice and EPA settle major wetlands violations case with Washington property owner and trucking firm

Department of Justice and EPA settle major wetlands violations case with Washington property owner and trucking firm Region 10 SEATTLE – The United States Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have reached a settlement with Bobby Wolford Trucking & Salvage, Inc. and Karl Frederick Klock Pacific Bison, LLC, for federal Clean Water Act violations. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! U.S. EPA finalizes settlement with chemical manufacturer in Cochise County, Ariz., will protect workers and the community

U.S. EPA finalizes settlement with chemical manufacturer in Cochise County, Ariz., will protect workers and the community Region 09 ST. DAVID, Ariz. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an agreement with Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA issues summary of recent Safe Drinking Water Act orders to protect public health in Wyoming and Region 8 Indian Country

EPA issues summary of recent Safe Drinking Water Act orders to protect public health in Wyoming and Region 8 Indian Country Region 08 DENVER - Today the U.S. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Highlights 12 Actions to Protect Children from Lead Paint in New England During Past Year

EPA Highlights 12 Actions to Protect Children from Lead Paint in New England During Past Year Region 01 BOSTON – During Fiscal Year 2020, which ended on Sept. 30, the U.S. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards - 2020

EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards - 2020 Headquarters, Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) WASHINGTON (October 29, 2020) — The U.S. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

NASA Invites Media to Briefing on OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Stowage

NASA will host a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, Oct. 29, to provide an update on the status of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft and the mission’s work to safely stow the sample it collected from asteroid Bennu. October 29, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/3oH8pZY via IFTTT

EPA! EPA! EPA Finalizes Improvements to Pesticide Application Exclusion Zone Requirements

EPA Finalizes Improvements to Pesticide Application Exclusion Zone Requirements Headquarters, Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Goldsboro, N.C. (October 29, 2020) — Today, at Overman Farms in Goldsboro, N.C., U.S. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA ready to support FEMA, state efforts on Hurricane Zeta

EPA ready to support FEMA, state efforts on Hurricane Zeta Region 06 DALLAS – (Oct. 28, 2020) EPA has an organized emergency response program for responding to man-made and natural disasters and is positioned to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, local, and tribal partners in response to Hurricane Zeta. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $187,000 to Pennsylvania to support wetlands restoration

EPA awards $187,000 to Pennsylvania to support wetlands restoration Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 29, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a $186,619 grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to enhance its wetlands program with a web-based tool that helps restoration efforts. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA installs monitoring wells at the Kokomo Contaminated Groundwater Plume Superfund site

EPA installs monitoring wells at the Kokomo Contaminated Groundwater Plume Superfund site Region 05 For Immediate Release No. 20-OPA-019 Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $11 million to Delaware for drinking water improvement projects

EPA awards $11 million to Delaware for drinking water improvement projects Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (October 29, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it has awarded $11 million to Delaware for drinking water improvement projects throughout the state. Published October 28, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Our Halloween Sun

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Active regions on the sun combined to look something like a jack-o-lantern’s face on Oct. 8, 2014. via NASA https://ift.tt/3jyIVdi

The Ghoul of IC 2118

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Inspired by the halloween season, this telescopic portrait captures a cosmic cloud with a scary visage. The interstellar scene lies within the dusty expanse of reflection nebula IC 2118 in the constellation Orion. IC 2118 is about 800 light-years from your neighborhood, close to bright bluish star Rigel at the foot of Orion. Often identified as the Witch Head nebula for its appearance in a wider field of view it now rises before the witching hour though. With spiky stars for eyes, the ghoulish apparition identified here seems to extend an arm toward Orion's hot supergiant star. The source of illumination for IC 2118, Rigel is just beyond this frame at the upper left. via NASA https://ift.tt/2TzFNU8

Wikipedia article of the day for October 29, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for October 29, 2020 is Portrait of Mariana of Austria . Portrait of Mariana of Austria is a 1652 or 1653 oil-on-canvas painting by Diego Velázquez, the leading artist of the Spanish Golden Age. Its subject, Dona Mariana (known as Maria Anna), was the daughter of Emperor Ferdinand III and Maria Anna of Spain, and was nineteen years old when the painting was completed. Although vivacious and fun-loving in life, she is given an unhappy expression in Velázquez's portrait. The painting is bathed in harmonious shades of black and red, and her face is heavily made up. Her right hand rests on the back of a chair, and she holds a lace handkerchief in her left hand. Her bodice is decorated with jewellery, including a gold necklace, bracelets and a large gold brooch. The clock placed on the scarlet drapery behind her indicates her status. Three full-length versions of the portrait survive, as well as a number of half-length variants. The version in the Muse...

stratospheric: Word of the day for October 29, 2020

stratospheric , adj : (meteorology) Of, relating to, or occurring the stratosphere (“the region of the uppermost atmosphere”). (figurative, colloquial) Unusually or unreasonably high; astronomical.

Picture of the day for October 29, 2020

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Anglichanka Rock (Anglichanka literally means "English woman"), a protected natural area in Buryatia, Russia. Learn more .

Picture of the day for October 29, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on October 29, 2020: Anglichanka Rock (Anglichanka literally means "English woman"), a protected natural area in Buryatia, Russia https://ift.tt/3mqdy6u

New IFTTT service: Alexa Actions by mkZense

Alexa Actions by mkZense Send Actions to your Alexa device from IFTTT. Your Alexa speaker can respond to this action using Alexa routines. Published October 28, 2020 at 10:57AM View Alexa Actions by mkZense Applets on IFTTT

EPA! EPA! Arkansas Natural Resource Commission receives $637,000 to improve drinking water

Arkansas Natural Resource Commission receives $637,000 to improve drinking water Region 06 DALLAS (Oct. 28, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission $637,000 to improve drinking water and provide assistance to undeserved, small and disadvantaged communities in the state. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards Region 04 WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, U.S. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces $55 Million for Water Infrastructure in Indiana

EPA Announces $55 Million for Water Infrastructure in Indiana Region 05 GREENWOOD, IND. (Oct. 28, 2020) — Today, U.S. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! Two Missouri Community-Based Organizations Each Awarded $120K in EPA Funding to Address Environmental and Public Health Issues in Underserved Communities

Two Missouri Community-Based Organizations Each Awarded $120K in EPA Funding to Address Environmental and Public Health Issues in Underserved Communities Region 07 Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Highlights Increased Investment in Water Infrastructure Through State Revolving Funds

EPA Highlights Increased Investment in Water Infrastructure Through State Revolving Funds Headquarters, Water (OW) WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released 2019 annual reports for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

New IFTTT service: Alexa Actions by mkZense

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Alexa Actions by mkZense just launched on IFTTT! https://ift.tt/2J57fXB

EPA! EPA! EPA and Indiana Propose Southwest Indiana Now Meets Federal Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide

EPA and Indiana Propose Southwest Indiana Now Meets Federal Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide Region 05 PETERSBURG, IND. (October 28, 2020) --Today, the U.S. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards Headquarters, Office of the Administrator (AO) WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, U.S. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! ICYMI: EPA clears popular weed killer used by cotton farmers

ICYMI: EPA clears popular weed killer used by cotton farmers Headquarters, Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) WTOC - 11 Dal Cannady October 27, 2020 Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $156,000 to the District of Columbia to develop a wetlands program

EPA awards $156,000 to the District of Columbia to develop a wetlands program Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 28, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $155,661 grant to the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment to establish a plan to restore and protect wetlands throughout the District. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA approves Utah’s regional haze plan

EPA approves Utah’s regional haze plan Region 08 Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $143,000 to Maryland to enhance its wetlands program

EPA awards $143,000 to Maryland to enhance its wetlands program Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (October 28, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $142,758 grant to the Maryland Department of Environment to enhance its wetlands program by emphasizing a “living shoreline” approach. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! ICYMI:EPA clears popular weed killer used by cotton farmers

ICYMI:EPA clears popular weed killer used by cotton farmers Headquarters, Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) WTOC - 11 Dal Cannady October 27, 2020 Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA awards $199,000 to Delaware for wetlands restoration

EPA awards $199,000 to Delaware for wetlands restoration Region 03 PHILADELPHIA (October 28, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $198,534 grant to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for wetlands restoration. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! ICYMI: EPA Administrator Wheeler releases decision on dicamba re-registration

ICYMI: EPA Administrator Wheeler releases decision on dicamba re-registration Headquarters, Office of the Administrator (AO) RFD TV Tammi Arender October 27, 2020 Published October 27, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

'Sprites' Frolic in Jupiter's Atmosphere

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The lightning phenomenon known as a sprite depicted at Jupiter in this illustration. via NASA https://ift.tt/2TvmCKO

NGC 6357: The Lobster Nebula

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Why is the Lobster Nebula forming some of the most massive stars known? No one is yet sure. Cataloged as NGC 6357, the Lobster Nebula houses the open star cluster Pismis 24 near its center -- a home to unusually bright and massive stars. The overall blue glow near the inner star forming region results from the emission of ionized hydrogen gas. The surrounding nebula, featured here, holds a complex tapestry of gas, dark dust, stars still forming, and newly born stars. The intricate patterns are caused by complex interactions between interstellar winds, radiation pressures, magnetic fields, and gravity. NGC 6357 spans about 400 light years and lies about 8,000 light years away toward the constellation of the Scorpion. via NASA https://ift.tt/2TxTuCJ

Xanthippe: Word of the day for October 28, 2020

Xanthippe , n : (literary, derogatory) An ill-tempered woman. Today is Ohi Day (Anniversary of the “No”) in Greece, which marks the rejection by Ioannis Metaxas of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum in 1940 during World War II to allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory.

EPA! EPA! Administrator Wheeler Meets with Agricultural Stakeholders in Florida, Georgia

Administrator Wheeler Meets with Agricultural Stakeholders in Florida, Georgia Headquarters, Office of the Administrator (AO) Savannah, Ga. (October 27, 2020) — Today, U.S. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Wikipedia article of the day for October 28, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for October 28, 2020 is Cetiosauriscus . Cetiosauriscus was a sauropod dinosaur that lived between 166 and 164 million years ago, during the Middle Jurassic. It was a herbivore with a moderately long tail and long forelimbs, compared to other sauropods. It has been estimated at about 15 metres (49 ft) long and between 4 and 10 tonnes (3.9 and 9.8 long tons; 4.4 and 11.0 short tons) in weight. Its only known fossil includes a hindlimb and most of the rear half of a skeleton. Found in Cambridgeshire, England, in the 1890s, it was described by Arthur Smith Woodward in 1905 as a new specimen of the species Cetiosaurus leedsi, which was moved to the new genus Cetiosauriscus in 1927 by Friedrich von Huene. In 1980, Alan Charig proposed the current name Cetiosauriscus stewarti. The fossil was found in the marine deposits of the Oxford Clay Formation alongside many invertebrate groups, marine ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and crocodylians, a single ptero...

Picture of the day for October 28, 2020

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Panoramic view of the city of Alicante from the Santa Bárbara Castle, Spain. The city has a population of aprox. 330.000 and is a popular touristic destination as it's located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The castle, located on 166 metres (545 ft)-high Mount Benacantil, dates from the 9th century.. Learn more .

Picture of the day for October 28, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on October 28, 2020: Panoramic view of the city of Alicante from the Santa Bárbara Castle, Spain. The city has a population of aprox. 330.000 and is a popular touristic destination as it's located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The castle, located on 166 metres (545 ft)-high Mount Benacantil, dates from the 9th century. https://ift.tt/31N9i9t

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision

EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision Headquarters, Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Urges Communities in Tropical Storm Zeta’s Path to Avoid Indoor Air Dangers, Use Generators Safely

EPA Urges Communities in Tropical Storm Zeta’s Path to Avoid Indoor Air Dangers, Use Generators Safely Region 04 ATLANTA – (Oct. 27, 2020) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds communities, families and business owners to be aware of conditions that could lead to poor or dangerous indoor air quality following Tropical Storm Zeta. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia On International Religious Freedom Day

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on International Religious Freedom Day: “Today’s commemoration of International Religious Freedom Day reminds us that Americans can be deeply grateful to live in a nation where religious freedom is rooted in our founding ideals and protected by the law of the land. Today is also a reminder that many people around the world do not enjoy the freedom to practice their faith, but instead face persecution for their religious beliefs. We particularly recognize the Uyghur Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in China who have been forced into state-sponsored labor and re-education camps by the Chinese Communist Party. Last month, the Department of Labor took steps to combat these exploitive labor practices by releasing its biennial list of goods produced under conditions of forced labor. China topped the list at 17 goods – four more than any other country. The list we published, and the Departm...

EPA! EPA! EPA: Beware of lead dangers at home

EPA: Beware of lead dangers at home Region 10 (Seattle) – Approximately one million children in the U.S. are affected by lead poisoning, and yet lead poisoning is completely preventable. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! Registration Now Open for the Virtual 2020 EPA America Recycles: Innovation Fair and Summit

Registration Now Open for the Virtual 2020 EPA America Recycles: Innovation Fair and Summit Headquarters WASHINGTON (October 27, 2020) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in celebration of America Recycles Week, invites everyone to register for free, virtual events hosted by EPA that focus on advancing the future of recycling from November 16 – 17, 2020. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

U.S. Department of Labor Restores Over $3.1 Billion to Employee Benefit Plans, Participants and Beneficiaries, the Most Ever

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued its fiscal year (FY) 2020 enforcement fact sheet highlighting the Agency’s recovery of over $3.1 billion in direct payments to plans, participants and beneficiaries in FY 2020. In FY 2020, EBSA conducted 1,122 civil investigations.  Moreover, EBSA’s Benefits Advisors closed more than 171,000 inquiries, many of which came through EBSA’s toll-free number, 1-866-444-EBSA (3272), and the website at askebsa.dol.gov. Through those and other efforts, EBSA recovered more money for plans, participants, and beneficiaries than ever before. Over the past four years, EBSA has recovered over $8 billion, increasing its recoveries by 175 percent from FY 2017 to 2020, and 310 percent from FY 2016 to FY 2020. Total Monetary Recoveries (Historical) Total Recoveries FY 2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 $8.4B $3.124B $2.57B $1.6B $1.1B The fact sheet is available. Through its enforcement of the Em...

EPA! EPA! Major EPA Funding for Rhode Island Water Infrastructure Projects Will Help Protect Health and the Environment

Major EPA Funding for Rhode Island Water Infrastructure Projects Will Help Protect Health and the Environment Region 01 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The U.S. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces New Actions to Support Water Reuse, Highlights Water Subcabinet Coordination

EPA Announces New Actions to Support Water Reuse, Highlights Water Subcabinet Coordination Headquarters, Water (OW) WASHINGTON (October 27, 2020) — Today, at the Future of Water Infrastructure and Innovation Summit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross announced four new proposed actions under the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Farm Bureau

EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Farm Bureau Region 05 For Immediate Release: No. No. 20-OPA-31 Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces $116 Million for Water Infrastructure in Illinois

EPA Announces $116 Million for Water Infrastructure in Illinois Region 05 SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (Oct. 27, 2020) — Today in Springfield, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede announced a total of $116 million to modernize water infrastructure in Illinois. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces $2.3 Million Grant to Reduce Lead Exposure in D.C. Child Care Centers and Schools

EPA Announces $2.3 Million Grant to Reduce Lead Exposure in D.C. Child Care Centers and Schools Region 03 WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2020) — Today, a virtual event with the Director of District of the Columbia’s Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) Tommy Wells, the U.S. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

New IFTTT service: Ti-Do by T-LAB

Ti-Do by T-LAB Interface for Ti-DO by T-LAB smart home devices. Supports new TiDOMO boards and more coming soon. Allows to create input-based trigger, and commands outputs when other IFTTT's events are triggered. Published October 27, 2020 at 09:34AM View Ti-Do by T-LAB Applets on IFTTT

EPA! EPA! EPA Announces Over $335,000 for Projects in U.S.-Mexico Border Region

EPA Announces Over $335,000 for Projects in U.S.-Mexico Border Region Region 06 DALLAS – (Oct. 27, 2020) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $335,855.48 in grants awarded through the Border 2020: U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

New IFTTT service: Ti-Do by T-LAB

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Ti-Do by T-LAB just launched on IFTTT! https://ifttt.com/ti_do

EPA! EPA! EPA Recognizes Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2020

EPA Recognizes Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2020 Headquarters, Office of the Administrator (AO) WASHINGTON (October 27, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) from October 25 – 31, 2020. Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

EPA! EPA! ICYMI: California Leaders Are Wrong to Fault the Trump Administration on Wildfires

ICYMI: California Leaders Are Wrong to Fault the Trump Administration on Wildfires Headquarters, Air and Radiation (OAR) Andrew WheelerNational Review October 27, 2020 Published October 26, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

NASA, European Space Agency Formalize Artemis Gateway Partnership

NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) have finalized an agreement to collaborate on the Artemis Gateway. This agreement is an important element in a broad effort by the United States to engage international partners in sustainable lunar exploration and to demonstrate technologies necessary for a future human mission to Mars. October 27, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/3ozHU8m via IFTTT

NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins Casts Her Vote from Space

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NASA astronaut Kate Rubins points to the International Space Station's "voting booth" where she cast her vote from space this month. via NASA https://ift.tt/35HSbH2

Venusian Volcano Imagined

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What would an erupting volcano on Venus look like? Evidence of currently active volcanoes on Venus was announced earlier this year with the unexplained warmth of regions thought to contain only ancient volcanoes. Although large scale images of Venus have been taken with radar, thick sulfuric acid clouds would inhibit the taking of optical light vistas. Nevertheless, an artist's reconstruction of a Venusian volcano erupting is featured. Volcanoes could play an important role in a life cycle on Venus as they could push chemical foods into the cooler upper atmosphere where hungry microbes might float. Pictured, the plume from an erupting volcano billows upwards, while a vast lava field covers part of the hot and cracked surface of Earth's overheated twin. The possibility of airborne microbial Venusians is certainly exciting, but currently controversial. via NASA https://ift.tt/37KtD2I

Wikipedia article of the day for October 27, 2020

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The Wikipedia article of the day for October 27, 2020 is History of the Wales national football team (1876–1976) . The first game in the history of the Wales national football team was in 1876, making Wales the third-oldest side in international association football, after Scotland and England. Wales played annual games against Scotland, England, and later Ireland, which became the British Home Championship. Wales won their first championship in the 1906–07 tournament, three more titles during the 1920s, and four in the six years prior to World War II. After the war, Wales played teams from other European nations and began competing in the FIFA World Cup, but failed to qualify in 1950 and 1954. Wales qualified in 1958, being defeated by Brazil in the quarter-final. The side declined in the 1960s, failing to qualify for a World Cup or the European Nations' Cup. Wales won their last British Championship during the 1969–70 season, before the competition was discontinued. Manager Mik...

compellation: Word of the day for October 27, 2020

compellation , n : (archaic, rare) An act of addressing a person by a certain name or title. (archaic, rare) A name or title by which someone is addressed or identified; an appellation, a designation. (obsolete) An act of addressing or speaking to someone; also, the address or speech so made. The song “I Call Your Name”, by the Norwegian band a-ha, was released on this day 30 years ago in 1990 in their album East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

Picture of the day for October 27, 2020

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Funfair Send in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyWikipedia: Münster • North Rhine-Westphalia. Learn more .

Picture of the day for October 27, 2020

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Wikipedia picture of the day on October 27, 2020: Funfair Send in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyWikipedia: Münster • North Rhine-Westphalia https://ift.tt/35EaMUq

NASA, SpaceX Invite Media to Crew-1 Mission Update, Target New Launch Date

NASA and SpaceX now are targeting 7:49 p.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 14, for the launch of the first crew rotation mission to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. October 26, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/3mnT3HE via IFTTT

EPA! EPA! In Jacksonville, Administrator Wheeler Celebrates Deletion of Fairfax Street Wood Treaters Superfund Site from National Priority List

In Jacksonville, Administrator Wheeler Celebrates Deletion of Fairfax Street Wood Treaters Superfund Site from National Priority List Headquarters, Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) Published October 25, 2020 at 09:00PM Read more

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Goes for Early Stow of Asteroid Sample

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is ready to perform an early stow on Tuesday, Oct. 27, of the large sample it collected last week from the surface of the asteroid Bennu to protect and return as much of the sample as possible. October 26, 2020 from NASA https://ift.tt/35AYL1Z via IFTTT

Hawaiian Landscaping Company Pays $83,192 in Back Wages For Overtime Violations Found by U.S. Department of Labor

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HONOLULU, HI – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), The Miranda Group – a landscaping company based on Kauai, Hawaii – has paid $83,192 to 48 employees to resolve violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) overtime requirements. The WHD investigation found that The Miranda Group paid employees at straight-time rates for overtime hours worked on special weekend projects. The company paid these hours separately and outside of regular payroll, categorizing the payments as bonuses. The employer’s failure to record accurately the time employees worked on weekends also resulted in FLSA recordkeeping violations. “The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that workers get paid all the wages they have legally earned, including overtime,” said Wage and Hour District Director Terence Trotter, in Honolulu, Hawaii. “The Wage and Hour Division will continue to enforce the law so all employers abide by the same rules. We encourag...

U.S. Department of Labor and Hewlett Packard Reach Agreement To Resolve Alleged Pay Discrimination Affecting Female Employees

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has entered into conciliation agreements with Hewlett Packard Inc. (HPI) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to resolve allegations of systemic pay discrimination against 391 female employees in several states. While not admitting liability, the California-based federal technology contractors agreed to pay $1,450,000 in back pay and interest to settle the allegations. In routine compliance evaluations, OFCCP found disparities in compensation between male and female employees working in similar positions at HPI locations in Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, California, and at HPE sites in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Houston, Texas. HPI and HPE agreed to provide relief to affected female employees to resolve the preliminary findings. The companies also agreed to conduct compensation self-analyses, and take steps to ensure its personnel practices – including record-keeping and intern...

Federal Court Sentences Georgia Woman to Prison, Orders $1,034,793 In Restitution after U.S. Department of Labor Fraud Investigation

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ATLANTA, GA – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has sentenced Carrie N. Harris – former Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Plan Administrator for the Southern Pan Services Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – after she made more than $1 million in fraudulent withdrawals from the company’s bank accounts to pay charges to Harris’ and her husband’s personal and business credit cards. The court sentenced her to 65 months in prison and 36 months and 12 months of supervised release, to be served concurrently, and ordered her to pay $1,034,793 in restitution. The action follows an EBSA investigation and Harris’ January 2020 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. EBSA found that between 2007 and August 2013 Harris used her position as the ESOP’s plan administrator to defraud Southern Pan Services by making unaut...

New IFTTT service: Mapeheat Thermo Connect

Mapeheat Thermo Connect The Mapeheat Thermo Connect thermostat is a WiFi-enabled thermostat that can control Mapeheat electric floor heating systems. Published October 26, 2020 at 11:17AM View Mapeheat Thermo Connect Applets on IFTTT

New IFTTT service: Mapeheat Thermo Connect

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Mapeheat Thermo Connect just launched on IFTTT! https://ift.tt/35AH9mT